Alonso makes case for number one status

Fernando Alonso thinks Monaco would have helped his quest to emerge as McLaren's clear 'number one' for the rest of 2007. The Spaniard is tied on points in the drivers' championship with rookie teammate Lewis Hamilton, but Monte Carlo was his second win for the silver camp.

"It is understandable that the team still has doubts about who should be the number one," Alonso is quoted as saying by the Italian daily La Gazzetta dello Sport.

He said: "We are tied on points and we have the same opportunities, which is why winning in Monaco was very important from that point of view.

"Now it is up to me to take advantage of it."

Alonso also dismissed the British press' furious suggestions last week that only illegal team orders prevented Hamilton from going for the win in Monaco.

"The only certainty is that if you arrive at your first pit stop with a ten second disadvantage to your teammate, it is going to be very difficult for you to pass him," the 25-year-old said.